Anyways, I did make a new account and was playing for free on it since 1) vanity w/l ratio, har! 2) keeping w/l on main so that if I stick around, forumers and players in game don't go 'your w/l sucks so shut up!'

First, game looks better and runs better. Overall is basically the same game. The movement is better (the physics changes make it feel more 'real', though I have to get into using the brake, I keep forgetting and have fallen off a couple overlooks, hah. I am a little disappointed that wot doesn't have 20 v 20 (or bigger) in random battles. The map changes were neither here nor there, not a lot of new maps from what I can tell. Still fun, still 'tanky', arty is still arty, etc.

That said, was trying out swede line. This is all low tiers (obviously). Low tiers have become slightly more 'arcade like' which is not a complaint, just my observation (small fast auto-loaders that can pen anything (it seems) just roaming and killing is clearly the meta). So can't really judge the swede stuff yet since they are slow and thus easily killed by vets in fast small tanks. Makes leveling up slightly more painful. I was just testing the waters so don't care atm, didn't buy premium either, was just testing interest.

The good is that it is still fun, enjoyable. Still players playing. There are still bots (not many, none to a few per match) but some play ok so I guess 'it is what it is' haha. Toxicity is down a little, but it is low tiers (I-IV vehicles) so wasn't much there anyways. Starting noticing it in the Tier V/VI matches in my Tier IV TD.

The 'bad' IMO, this is definitely IMO, is that it is still slow to XP low tiers. I left before because I wanted to try out different tanks (had premium monthly, had some premium tanks) but it just takes too many games to get to tanks you want to try. Worse, crew skilling is still so sloooowwwwwwww and matters a ton. Then modules come into the mix. It just takes a long time to take a new vehicle and get it to a 'level playing field' state. Not sure how well wot retains new players, it should, but from the numbers decline, I'd say what I just said is why not. This 'gear gap' always makes for a slow decline in any game.

That said, I know those who have stuck around feel they have earned it, etc., because they have. Still, I'd make it faster in tiers I-V for new players, will help keep them playing and in the end, don't you want players in Tiers VI+? And shouldn't they do this so they can make tier XI and XII? Mainly crew leveling, this is really slow (still) and yes, you can move them around and play them in premium and .... it is a painful system that IMO is slow and cumbersome.

BUT HEY! What is this? A gift premium Chrysler K... seems kinda meh but it made me notice RENTALS. I got a little excited, I figured with how I want to play WOT (every now and then) that this could work, I could just pay to rent some tank I want to try.

Unfortunately..... nope. They are not doing it right. First off, now crew. I don't need a 'finished crew' but 100% with 1 skill perk is needed. I also need to be able to pick modules for it. THIS IS A MUST. You really cannot tell if a tank is 'worth it' for you unless you can try it with a good crew and modules. They play is dramatically different between a 50% crew and no modules.... and what I listed. Also, 20 runs is kinda low, really need 40-60, so cost was a little high.

So, yeah. I am done again. A lot of games that are fun do this stuff and I just don't play them anymore, no matter how good they are. Really tired of this model. I'd happily pay premium or even more for premium (or rentals) if it gave a level playing field but it doesn't and the time it takes to get there is too long. But hey, they made a lot of money off of this model so 'it is what it is', just was hoping now after all this time that it was more 'new player friendly'.

Yeah, the entire evolution of gold ammo --> gold ammo available to all --> OP premium vehicles created a hot mess that Wargaming has no clue how to fix. Throw on top of that a diseased, broken matchmaker, and it makes the grind intolerable for many.

If the above issues weren't so fatal, I think the crew and XP grinds are fine for the most part … it is an investment in time, but, absent the diseased matchmaking, there are enough ways to reach tiers 9-10 and a decent crew in a reasonable time frame.

The game is still fine for players who like arcade-y style play and don't mind getting clubbed relentlessly on their way up through middle tiers. But for those seeking more of a tank simulator with more realistic tank engagements, tactics, gunnery, damage models etc., and a player base that is less toxic and less stat-obsessed, War Thunder is a far better alternative.

Yes. The acade-y style is fine for many games but I just don't feel it fits here in WoT. We have all these realistic models and terrain and what not, and then, yeah. It is definitely a mix with it more tank-like but not what I expect when I read 'world of tanks'. I actually just downloaded War Thunder to see how it is. Will be fun to try at least.

Maybe WoT should do a 40 tank death match and jump on the fortnite bandwagon, can have the tank do a dance at the end

Unfortunately..... nope. They are not doing it right. First off, now crew. I don't need a 'finished crew' but 100% with 1 skill perk is needed. I also need to be able to pick modules for it. THIS IS A MUST. You really cannot tell if a tank is 'worth it' for you unless you can try it with a good crew and modules. They play is dramatically different between a 50% crew and no modules.... and what I listed. Also, 20 runs is kinda low, really need 40-60, so cost was a little high.

From your post it appears you may be new to premium tanks. Premium tanks do not have upgradeable modules. Additionally you can move a crew from the same nation, same class (medium, light, heavy, etc) into a premium tank and the crew operates in the premium with no penalties, no crew retraining required. That is assuming you have a suitable crew.

If you have not played Front Line battle mode it starts on Monday, and there are tanks you can rent to play it, worth a shot.

From your post it appears you may be new to premium tanks. Premium tanks do not have upgradeable modules. Additionally you can move a crew from the same nation, same class (medium, light, heavy, etc) into a premium tank and the crew operates in the premium with no penalties, no crew retraining required. That is assuming you have a suitable crew.

If you have not played Front Line battle mode it starts on Monday, and there are tanks you can rent to play it, worth a shot.

First off, if I am new I don't have 100% crews, I do on this account but a new player would not. So a new player has to skill up their crew first, which takes awhile. If you think that should be necessary then that is your opinion and WoT's. I think it would be better if a new player could rent a tank and have a maxed crew, so they can see how it is worth it and something they can look forward to. As is they will rent and get destroyed and quit.

Second, unless changed, you suffer a -10% for not being specialized to the tank. Though not a big deal, -10% is a noticeable hit.

Third, I meant modules, like camo and binoculars, etc. You should be able to pick what your rental comes with, or pay a little extra to get them.

Fourth, I don't think you really read my post for context, just scanned to see what you could try and demean me on. So I counter riposte and touche'!

Ok, done checking on this and WoT devs will do whatever they do. It is a good game and they have made millions.

First off, if I am new I don't have 100% crews, I do on this account but a new player would not. So a new player has to skill up their crew first, which takes awhile. If you think that should be necessary then that is your opinion and WoT's. I think it would be better if a new player could rent a tank and have a maxed crew, so they can see how it is worth it and something they can look forward to. As is they will rent and get destroyed and quit.

Second, unless changed, you suffer a -10% for not being specialized to the tank. Though not a big deal, -10% is a noticeable hit.

Third, I meant modules, like camo and binoculars, etc. You should be able to pick what your rental comes with, or pay a little extra to get them.

Fourth, I don't think you really read my post for context, just scanned to see what you could try and demean me on. So I counter riposte and touche'!

Ok, done checking on this and WoT devs will do whatever they do. It is a good game and they have made millions.

Premium tanks are for training crews (among other things). They earn XP at an increased rate, and your crew suffers no penalty for not being trained to that tank.

The Chrysler K rental was done a little differently than is typical. Usually a rental does come with a 100% crew, and you get to keep the crew after the rental period ends (but you have to pay gold to train them to a tank unless you have another premium of the same nation and type to put them into, or are willing to put up with the penalty).

At this time if you have an Amazon Prime, or Twitch Prime account you can link your WG account to it and get a lot of useful items, including a very good American Tier 7 premium heavy tank with a 100% crew.

Camo, binocs, and other equipment is often sold for a discount during holidays and special events (they were 50% off this weekend), which is also when most rental tanks are offered (or given as a free rental as happened this weekend).

First off, if I am new I don't have 100% crews, I do on this account but a new player would not. So a new player has to skill up their crew first, which takes awhile. If you think that should be necessary then that is your opinion and WoT's. I think it would be better if a new player could rent a tank and have a maxed crew, so they can see how it is worth it and something they can look forward to. As is they will rent and get destroyed and quit.

Second, unless changed, you suffer a -10% for not being specialized to the tank. Though not a big deal, -10% is a noticeable hit.

Third, I meant modules, like camo and binoculars, etc. You should be able to pick what your rental comes with, or pay a little extra to get them.

Fourth, I don't think you really read my post for context, just scanned to see what you could try and demean me on. So I counter riposte and touche'!

Ok, done checking on this and WoT devs will do whatever they do. It is a good game and they have made millions.

There is no 10% penalty when you put a crew in a premium tank of the same type as they are trained for (medium, for instance).

I re-read what Wererat wrote and for the life of me I can't figure out why you would accuse him/her of demeaning you. You did seem to be confused about premium tanks (you called equipment "modules" which confused things) and he/she gave you some great advice about Frontlines, which starts tomorrow.

Unfortunately..... nope. They are not doing it right. First off, now crew. I don't need a 'finished crew' but 100% with 1 skill perk is needed. I also need to be able to pick modules for it. THIS IS A MUST. You really cannot tell if a tank is 'worth it' for you unless you can try it with a good crew and modules. They play is dramatically different between a 50% crew and no modules.... and what I listed. Also, 20 runs is kinda low, really need 40-60, so cost was a little high.

So, yeah. I am done again. A lot of games that are fun do this stuff and I just don't play them anymore, no matter how good they are. Really tired of this model. I'd happily pay premium or even more for premium (or rentals) if it gave a level playing field but it doesn't and the time it takes to get there is too long. But hey, they made a lot of money off of this model so 'it is what it is', just was hoping now after all this time that it was more 'new player friendly'.

Yep, pay to win games aren't as enticing as they once were. Need to have a real commitment to push through all the P2W layers for a chance to play normally

Im convinced the over the top grind in this game has to be cultural. So many of my lan party friends that should be hooked are so turned off by this game its a real eye opener. Yet in Mother Russia they just eat this abuse up.

Premium needs to be premium and actually cut the grind even more than theyve improved already. Everyone needs 6th sense and 100% minimum- make the grind only when crew switches tanks?

(OP: fire up the old account and there may be a few WG "gifts" for you... T-50-2. The vanity sigs show recent winrate too)